The Reasearch Vehicles of Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has presented fascinating and pioneering research vehicles since the early 1980s. The range of these automobiles — up to today’s F 125!  — offers proof of the foresight with which our engineers develop innovative solutions for the future.
F125 - 5
Pioneering Spirit on Wheels - Trendsetter for the Mobility of the Future
Research and innovation are the foundations of success at Mercedes-Benz. The technology offered by the brand with the star has always been ahead of its time, and it remains so to this very day, as Mercedes-Benz continues to set standards for the automotive industry worldwide.
An Bord des Forschungsfahrzeugs F 500 Mind werden neue Technologien für Antrieb, Bedienung und Komfort der Automobile von übermorgen untersucht.
From idea to finished research car
Daimler research cars are fully operational because they are supposed to make new technology experienceable, drivable, and assessable. They then fulfill their purpose, which is to provide insights into the automobile of tomorrow. Each of these special cars follows the concept of holism.
The Future of the Original: The Research Cars of Mercedes-Benz
Research is a motor of progress. This is the principle that motivated Carl Benz to design his famous Patent Motor Car back in 1886. He calculated, tinkered, discarded ideas – and finally went on to build a vehicle that apart from the wheels had little in common with previous ones.
The Mercedes-Benz C 111
At the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September 1969 Mercedes Benz presented an exceptional car: the C 111. The world queued up to see this “test lab on wheels” with its wedge-shaped body and upward-opening gullwing doors.
Auto 2000
Auto 2000
In the late 1970s the Federal German Ministry for Research and Technology launched the Auto 2000 project, in which several carmakers participated.
The short-distance vehicle. NAFA.
The short-distance vehicle NAFA
Congested streets, a lack of parking space, and long tailbacks raised new questions in motor vehicle research. Mercedes-Benz answered them in 1981 with a concept study labelled “Nahverkehrsfahrzeug” or NAFA for short – the short-distance vehicle.
Technologie pur – der F 100
F 100
Daimler-Benz deliberately chose the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 1991 – the first major trade show of the year – to present a very special automobile: the Mercedes-Benz F 100. This research car gave tangible expression to the vision of engineers and market strategists for the automobile of the future. Never before had so many ideas and innovative technologies been realised in a fully operational car.
Mercedes-Benz C 112
For the 1990 racing season in Group C, Mercedes-Benz, in cooperation with the Swiss Sauber team, fielded the C 11. It proved a great success, and the team was crowned world champion at the end of the season.
Mercedes-Benz Vario Research Car
One car, four vehicles – variability was the design focus of the Vario Research´Car (VRC) by Mercedes-Benz, a car that attracted great attention at its premiere at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show. Within just a few minutes, the VRC can be transformed into a different car.
F 200 Imagination
F 200 Imagination: Testing of new ergonomic concepts based on drive-by-wire technology, cockpit design
F 300, Fahrzeugstudie, Life-Jet, Studioaufnahme, Fahrzeugdach geöffnet
F 300 Life Jet
F 300 Life Jet: Feel and cornering dynamics of a motorcycle, combined with the safety and comfort of a car
F 400 Carving Forschungsfahrzeug mit zukunftsweisender Fahrwerkstechnik , Studioaufnahme, seitlich von vorne
F 400 Carving
F 400 Carving: Testing of novel dynamic handling systems
Forschungsfahrzeug F 500 Mind: Rollendes Forschungslabor für die Technik von übermorgen
F 500 Mind
F 500 Mind: Testing of hybrid drive, novel door and interior compartment concept, electronic driver information system
Mercedes-Benz bionic car
With the Mercedes-Benz bionic car – a concept car – the company is investigating the great potential of bionics (the combination of biology and technics) for automotive development. The combination of forward-looking diesel engine technology and innovative emission control has achieved outstanding results in fuel economy and in reducing pollutant emissions.
Der F 600 HYGENIUS ist das erste Forschungsfahrzeug mit einem speziell für die Brennstoffzelle entwickelten Karosserie- und Designkonzept. Die Antriebstechnik, die Hochvolt-Batterie und der Wasserstofftank sind unterhalb der Fahrgastzelle angeordnet; der neu entwickelte, drehmomentstarke Elektromotor ist in den Hinterachsträger integriert.
F 600 HYGENIUS
F 600 HYGENIUS: Testing of the further developed fuel cell drive, interior compartment matched to the needs of families, innovative operating concept, expanded PRE-SAFE® system
Mercedes-Benz F 700 Forschungsfahrzeug, Exterieur
F 700
F 700: Combining outstanding ride comfort with a high standard of environmental compatibility, good performance, and exceptionally low fuel consumption
The daytime running lights of the F 800 style
Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style: Efficiency paired with elegance
With the multi drive platform, which enables the use of two alternative drive systems — either Plug-in Hybrid or fuel cell – as well as the intelligent display, the vehicle combines fascinating technology with sustainability.
F125 - 4
Mercedes-Benz F 125! research vehicle
As a highlight marking 125 years of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a visionary outlook on future technical developments in the luxury segment.
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